The keto diet has definitely become a large trend over the last few years picking up a lot of positive media around the weight loss aspect. The diet is centered around something called Ketosis which is a metabolic state where most of the body's energy supply comes from ketone bodies in the blood, in contrast to a state of glycolysis where blood glucose provides most of the energy. Eating a high fat, high protein diet, cutting out glucose meaning no fruit, vegetables or any forms of carbs.
healf or hype?
There are a lot of studies comparing multiple diets and keto generally proves as the most effective for weight loss. Significantly reducing the body weight and body mass index of people that do it and decreasing the level of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose, and increased the level of HDL cholesterol.
However, there are a few dark sides to the keto diet. The big one being, triglycerides. If you’re not selective with the quality of your fats using things like peanut butter, almond butter, non grass-fed animal fats and vegetable oils, your triglycerides will likely go through the roof. Studies have consistently linked high triglyceride levels with heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. The issue with nut butters comes when they’re exposed to high temperatures and processing.
There are also lots of social limitations and let’s face it, eating 70%-90% fats will make it very difficult to hang out with friends at an italian restaurant, walk past a bakery or be able maintain when on holiday. Cutting out carbs will also affect mood and chances are you won’t be the most fun version of yourself to hang out with.
Therefore we believe the keto diet in a nutshell is Hype given that it just isn’t a sustainable way of living for most! But don’t disregard the diet completely yet, as there is a lot we can still take from this. If you end up getting your fats from the likes of grass-fed animal meats, cold pressed avocado oil, MCT oil etc. you will definitely reap the rewards of increasing healthy fats in your diet.
It doesn’t need to be a choice between keto or completely no fats. A lot of athletes, nutritionists and health experts have found long term success by incorporating small amount of carbohydrates at certain times of the day and slightly raising the night before a big workout day where you will require more energy. Balanced amounts of fruit and raw honey are great as fructose raises blood sugar levels more gradually than glucose and doesn’t immediately impact insulin levels.
Ultimately, there are endless personal factors that need to be considered such as genetics, gut biome, how you react to certain foods or even your personal goals and what you want to achieve. Thats why we really believe in intuitive eating and finding what is right for you
